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Pac-12 Pre-Season Positional Rankings: Tight End

2013-06-18T14:00:05Z

1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jr. Washington

Seferian-Jenkins is likely a sure fire first round draft pick after next season if he decides to declare as he is a massive 6'6 265 target with soft hands and great balance. Seferian-Jenkins had arguably the best statistical season of any tight end in the country last season and will be a frontrunner for the Mackey Aaward.

2. Chris Coyle Sr. Arizona State

Coyle is a bit of a hybrid as he is a little small for a tight end at 6'3 220, but he is a great pass catcher and the Sun Devils' best returning receiver. Coyle kind of got overshadowed by Seferian-Jenkins, Zach Ertz and Joseph Fauria last season but should get more attention in 2013.

3. Colt Lyerla Jr. Oregon

Lyerla is probably the most explosive of any of the tight ends in the conference and is a scary athlete that also gets some carries at fullback. Lyerla caught six touchdowns in 2012 and is a guy that I could see have a serious breakout season in 2013.

4. Xavier Grimble Jr. USC

Grimble is an athletic pass catcher who should get some serious looks due to how focused on Marqise Lee opposing defenses will be in 2013. Grimble had more than 300 yards and five touchdowns in 2012.

5. Connor Hamlett Jr. Oregon State

An underrated player, Hamlett had more than 400 yards receiving and three touchdowns in 2013. Hamlett got better as the season went on and is quickly becoming one of the best tight ends in the conference.

6. Jake Murphy Jr. Utah

Another tight end that quietly had a big season in 2012 as he had more than 350 yards and four touchdowns while being one of the Utes' most reliable receivers. Will be counted on even more in 2013 with the graduation of DeVonte Christopher.

Others considered

Randall Telfer Jr. USC

Pac-12 TV Revenue Payouts Leaked

2013-06-18T06:06:43Z

The Pac-12 is going to pay out over the next few years. Jon Wilner:

The source of the data you’re about to read is a confidential email from commissioner Larry Scott to the league’s presidents and chancellors.

It’s dated May 1, 2011, a few days before the conference announced the $3 billion, 12-year deal with Fox and ESPN.

...

Here are the payouts:

2013: $185,000,000 million

2014: $194,250,000 million

2015: $204,540,000 million

2016: $215,060,000 million

2017: $226,140,000 million

2018: $237,780,000 million

2019: $250,020,000 million

2020: $262,900,000 million

2021: $276,420,000 million

2022: $290,660,000 million

2023: $305,620,000 million

2024: $321,340,000 million

Currently the annual payouts look like the following.

Pac-12: $250 million ($20.83 million per school)

Big Ten: $248 million ($20.67 million)

Big 12: $200 million ($20 million)

ACC: $240 million ($17.14 million)

SEC: $205 million ($14.64 million)

Notre Dame: $15 million

So the Pac-12 should stay firmly ahead in the game for most of the near future.

2013 Pac-12 championship odds: Oregon & USC favored to meet up

2013-06-17T22:52:24Z

Despite getting upset in Eugene a year ago, Oregon is still getting all the love from the books with regards to their preseason conference title hopes. The Ducks soar past Stanford, UCLA, USC and all the other conference contenders as the number one choice to win the Pac-12 in 2013.

Pac-12 champion odds via 5Dimes: Oregon +235, USC +485, ASU +575, Arizona +675, Stanford +725, UCLA, Oregon State & Washington +825
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) June 17, 2013

Oregon is going to get all the love from here until forever from the books. The Ducks are probably the most popular team in college football and will receive plenty of public money, so it's no surprise the Ducks are heavily favored over everyone else.

USC is probably going to have a tough time recovering form and winning what is looking like a highly competitive Pac-12 South. But the Trojans retain a slight edge over the remainder of their Southern brethren, I'm guessing mainly because of the name recognition. USC has plenty of talent strewn across their roster but has to figure out who's starting at quarterback before they can consider themselves favorites.

Arizona State and Arizona both showed signs of improvement and seem ready to take the next step in 2013, and the odds reflect that.

What is surprising is how low both Stanford (5th) and UCLA (6th) rank on the totem pole in the overall futures. The Cardinal are returning a good deal of their team back (particularly on defense) and they host Oregon. The Bruins offense should be able to continue their uptick with many of their offensive weapons back. But with both teams losing their running workhorses, they aren't the favorites to rematch in the title game.

Oregon State and Washington are dark horses to claim the Pac-12 North, and they are the last teams to be given any sort of shot at winning this thing. The Huskies seem to be a team set to make a move and the Beavers were arguably the third best team in the conference last season. No one is giving Washington State, Cal, Utah or Colorado much of a chance, so expect an eight team race for the Pac-12 crown.

Here are the odds from 5Dimes.

Pac-12 2013 champion

Oregon +235
USC +485
ASU +575
Arizona +675
Stanford +725
UCLA +825
Oregon State +825
Washington +825
Utah +2100
California +3700
Washington State +5100
Colorado +11000

Pac-12 North 2013 champion

Oregon +120
Stanford +385
Oregon State +410
Washington +410
California +1500
Washington State +2000

Pac-12 South 2013 champion

USC +240
Arizona State +270
Arizona +320
UCLA +375
Utah +800
Colorado +4000

Pac-12 Football Recruiting: The Top 10 Recruits to Come Out of Utah During the Internet Age

2013-06-17T14:00:02Z

The next installment of our look at the top recruits to ever come out of the various states of the Pac-12 region during the Internet age heads onto Utah.

Haloti Ngata DT Class of 2002 - Salt Lake City-Highland - Oregon

An absolute monster who looked like an NFL player in high school, Ngata was maybe the most coveted recruit in the Class of 2002 at any position and likely the best player to ever come out of the state of Utah. Ngata committed to BYU early but then opened up his recruitment and signed with Oregon after a heated process where it seemed like a number of schools had him in the fold. Ngata was a great player during his career and has gone on to be a perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Famer with the Ravens.

Cooper Bateman QB Class of 2013 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - Alabama

Bateman is a big-armed quarterback who can throw a great deep ball and was one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the Class of 2013. Bateman considered some schools out West like Washington and UCLA but ultimately couldn't turn down the opportunity to play for Alabama.

Lynn Katoa LB Class of 2008 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - Colorado

Katoa was a five-star prospect who was very similar to Manti Te'o in that he was big, instinctual, played with a lot of heart and was wanted by almost every school in the country. Surprisingly, Katoa turned down a number of elite national programs and ended up heading to Colorado. Unfortunately, Katoa had so many off-the-field problems that he never ended even playing at Colorado and was recently arrested in 2012.

John Martinez C Class of 2009 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - USC

Martinez was the top center in the Class of 2009 and one of the best run-blockers in the entire country. Martinez was recruited by a number of schools but ended up signing with USC who was still rolling in recruiting at the time. Martinez has seen a lot of time during the course of his career as a Trojan and is expected to have a big senior year in 2013.

Xavier Su'a-Filo G Class of 2009 - Provo-Timpview - UCLA

A smooth and athletic, big tackle that could move really well, Su'a-Filo was exactly the kind of offensive lineman that every school wants. He considered BYU and some national programs and ultimately ended up signing with UCLA. Su'a-Filo's career was a bit delayed by a mission, but he had a huge breakout season in 2012 and was named All-Pac-12 while paving the way for Johnathan Franklin.

Ricky Heimuli DT Class of 2010 - Salt Lake City-Brighton - Oregon

A big, run-stuffing defensive tackle with great athleticism, Heimuli was one of the most-wanted defensive linemen out West in 2010. A number of Pac-10 schools battled it out for Heimuli and Oregon ended up winning his signature on signing day. Heimuli has played quite a bit as a Duck throughout his career and is expected to be a key contributor in 2013.

Stanley Havili RB Class of 2006 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - USC

Big enough to play fullback, but fast enough and athletic enough to play running back, Havili was an interesting athlete and maybe the top "big back" in the Class of 2006. Havili considered BYU heavily but ended up signing with USC who hoped that he could become the next LenDale White. Havili had a good career at fullback for the Trojans and was taken in the seventh round of the draft after his college career and has carved out an NFL career.

Michael Affleck QB Class of 2003 - Provo-Timpview - Arizona State

Affleck was a massive quarterback prospect at 6'3 240 that was good enough to garner an offer from USC when they were in their 2000s prime but ended up going to Arizona State. Affleck got injured though and left Tempe before he played and transferred to BYU before finally ending up at Utah State.

Dallas Lloyd QB Class of 2010 - Pleasant Grove - Stanford

Lloyd was a dynamic athlete and duel-threat quarterback that had offers from all over the country and was one of the top quarterbacks out West in the Class of 2010. Lloyd only visited Stanford and ended up signing with them just as they were emerging as a power in the conference. Lloyd returned from a mission in 2012, but was unable to grab the starting quarterback spot vacated by Andrew Luck and is now likely buried behind Kevin Hogan.

Alex Cate QB Class of 2006 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - Oklahoma State

A gun-slinger from powerhouse Cottonwood, Cate was one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the nation in 2006. Cate signed with Oklahoma State over a number of national schools and local schools. Cate was stuck behind two star quarterbacks in Zac Robinson and Brandon Wheeden while a Cowboy and ended up finishing his career at Central Washington.

Others considered

Simi Fili (DT Class of 2007 - Salt Lake City-Cottonwood - Oregon), Austin Holt (TE Class of 2008 - South Jordan-Bingham - BYU), James Lark (QB Class of 2006 - St. George-Pineview - BYU), Harvey Langi (RB Class of 2011 - South Jordan-Bingham - Utah), Brian Soi (DT Class of 2003 - Provo-Timpview - BYU)

Pacific Takes 2013 Preseason College Football Awards and All-Americans

2013-06-14T14:00:03Z

SBNation recently asked us to submit our thoughts on some pre-season national awards and an All-American team and since there are a lot of Pac-12 players included in our ballot (And because we are in the heat of the summer dregs), we are sharing our ballot and reasoning.

Heisman

Always a very tough award to predict, we were asked to submit our top three votes for who we think will win the award.

#1 Johnny Manziel So. QB Texas A&M

Okay, repeating as Heisman winner is nearly impossible, but I think you have to give the vote to the defending winner until proven otherwise at this point. Also, I think Manziel is unstoppable in the Aggies' offense and that they will be a serious national title contender.

#2 Braxton Miller Jr. QB Ohio State

I don't think Miller is the second-best player in the country, but I think Ohio State will run the table in the regular season, Miller will put up big numbers and plays for a marquee program which is a solid recipe for Heisman consideration.

#3 Marcus Mariota So. QB Oregon

I think there is also a very good chance that Oregon runs in the table in 2013 and that Mariota will at least match his stats from 2012 which were Heisman worthy and will get more attention now that more people around the country know who he is.

Coach of the Year

Urban Meyer Ohio State

If Meyer can take Ohio State to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons like I think he will, it will be pretty much impossible not to give him the award.

Offensive Coordinator of the Year

Scott Frost Oregon

I think Oregon's offense is going to keep going on at just the same pace it did under Chip Kelly and the Ducks could go undefeated. If both of those happens, Frost will deserve loads of praise for not only keeping the Duck offense firing on all cylinders, but maybe even turning it up a little bit.

Defensive Coordinator of the Year

Derek Mason Stanford

Another Pac-12 choice. Stanford's defense is as loaded as I can ever remember a Pac-12 defense being and I think that they will shut down pretty much every offense they face in 2013, including maybe Oregon's.

All-Americans

Quarterback: Johnny Manziel So. Texas A&M

As mentioned earlier, hard not to pick Manziel here, but I could just as easily see Braxton Miller, Marcus Mariota, A.J. McCarron or Teddy Bridgewater here.

Running Back: Ka'Deem Carey Jr. Arizona

Carey led the nation in rushing and nearly in rushing touchdowns last year, he plays in a legit conference and there's no reason to think that he won't match his production from 2012. He may not be a surefire first round draft pick or the flashiest running back in the nation, but he is the best.

Running Back: T.J. Yeldon So. Alabama

There are other guys who may have put up better stats in 2012, but Yeldon is now Alabama's lead feature back, fits their mold perfectly and we can all agree that Alabama produces All-American running backs, right?

Wide Receiver: Marqise Lee Jr. USC

Lee had one of the best seasons I have ever seen a college receiver have in 2012 and as long as the Trojans have a quarterback that can get the ball out to him, he should have an equally stellar 2013.

Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins So. Clemson

Watkins has all the ability in the world if he can keep it together and he's the only receiver in the country that I would put up there anywhere near Lee.

Tight End: Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jr. Washington

Seferian-Jenkins arguably put up the best stats of any tight end in the country last season and was only a sophomore.

Tackle: Taylor Lewan Sr. Michigan

Lewan was a guaranteed Top 10 pick had he declared last year and easily could be the top pick of the 2014 draft. He's the best Michigan lineman to come along since Jake Long.

Tackle: Jake Matthews Sr. Texas A&M

Like Lewan, Matthews could have been a very high draft pick in this year's draft, but came back to be one of the best linemen in the country.

Guard: David Yankey Sr. Stanford

Another All-American lineman produced by the Cardinal. Yankey is one of the best run blockers in the country and excels in Stanford's smashmouth system.

Guard: Cyril Richardson Sr. Baylor

Richardson is massive and a road grater that will assuredly blast open a ton of holes for Lache Seastrunk in Baylor's high-powered offense this season.

Center: Gabe Ikard Sr. Oklahoma

Almost considered putting Oregon's Hroniss Grasu here, but Ikard is a little bit more experienced.

All-Purpose: De'Anthony Thomas Jr. Oregon

I honestly consider Thomas a straight up running back who also just happens to be a really good receiver, but since they offered this position on the ballot, I'll put him here. If not, I would heavily consider putting him in the running back spot I gave Yeldon.

Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney Jr. South Carolina

The only way he wasn't making it in this spot is if he decided to sit 2013 out.

Defensive End: Stephon Tuitt Sr. Notre Dame

An incredible athlete for how big he is, Tuitt is as good against the run and the pass as any player in the country.

Defensive Tackle: Will Sutton Sr. Arizona State

2012's Pac-12 Defensive Player of the year is the easy choice here and if it weren't for Clowney, he would probably be the best defensive lineman in the country. Anyone who has seen Sutton play knows that he is versatile, athletic and can make plays all over the line.

Defensive Tackle: Louis Nix Sr. Notre Dame

Nix is the best nose guard, big, run stuffing style defensive tackle in the country and is a big part of why the Irish defense was so tough in 2012.

Outside Linebacker: C.J. Mosley Sr. Alabama

Another no-brainer, Alabama produces All-American linebackers and Mosley is the next one.

Outside Linebacker: Anthony Barr Sr. UCLA

I think Barr is the best pure athlete of any defensive player in the country this season except maybe Clowney and his combination of size, speed and tenacity make him one of the most fun players to watch in the country.

Inside Linebacker: Chris Borland Sr. Wisconsin

I would prefer to not have to specifically pick an inside linebacker as opposed to just picking three linebackers and would have put BYU's Kyle Van Noy or Stanford's Trent Murphy here if I could, but regardless, I really like Borland. He isn't a future Top 10 draft pick or anything but is simply a really good, no-nonsense college linebacker.

Cornerback: Bradley Roby Jr. Ohio State

Kind of a weak year for cornerbacks and defensive backs national this year in general, but Roby is the best of the bunch and was a first team All-American by some publications last season.

Cornerback: Jason Verrett Sr. TCU

Another corner that made some All-American teams last year, Verrett grabbed six interceptions in 2012 and is also a really good tackler.

Safety: Craig Loston Sr. LSU

A lot of players at safety that are about the same that you could choose here, but I think Loston has the best potential of any of them and should have the best season.

Safety: Hakeem Smith Sr. Louisville

Smith gets overlooked a bit because he plays in an abysmal conference, but he is a rangy style safety that is balanced and plays for a team that I think will force the country to take notice because of their record. Tempted to put Stanford's Ed Reynolds here, but I think too much of his clout has come from interceptions and it will be hard to match his output in that department in 2013.

Kicker: Cairo Santos Sr. Tulane

I'm gonna be honest and admit that I don't follow kicking much, but Santos made first team All-American as a junior last season.

Punter: Kyle Christy So. Florida

Once again, not something I really follow but Christy has one of the best returning punting averages in the country on a good team.

Returner: De'Anthony Thomas Jr. Oregon

Hands down, the most feared guy in the return game that no one wants to kick to or punt to.

Pac-12 and Mountain West Basketball Join Officiating Forces

2013-06-13T22:37:49Z

Though it took jestful bribery, twenty-five thousand dollars, Ice Miller, and a dash of broken trust, the Pac-12 has announced their effort to improve what has long been a perceived poor officiating core. Teaming up with the Mountain West and handing the reigns over to Bobby Dibler, Pac-12 and MWC referees will now be involved in an officiating program designed to be the best.

Now officiating is an odd beast. The stripes are meant to be neither seen nor heard and since this past season ended, all we've seen or heard of anything has been the stripes. This should not be the case. You're familiar with the saga and all that has gotten us to this collaboration; but this solution is unique in that the expectation is that we never hear of it again. Like when you and your middle school girlfriend: it was announced, and then never spoke of again.

Nevertheless, the facts of the program include:

A training program
An evaluation program
A development program
A new Deputy Coordinator
A new Technology Coordinator (Hi, Buffs)
A preseason clinic to review mechanics, game situations, rules knowledge, ~~how to recognize a joke vs. an actual bribe~~, and "other key factors to ensure [refs] are among the best trained in the county"
Game Graders

What's more, the expectation is that the alliance will attract the top officials, reduce travel, maximize schedules amongst other niceties that make this thing sound ground breaking. Of course, ground breaking has been the motto of Larry Scott's tenure as commish. So it comes as no surprise that this sort of collaboration is, indeed, a first of its kind.

Will this Scott innovation work? Thus far the twelve team thing seems has and, simply put, two are better than one.

As for this Dibler guy, he's got the resume. Rush had the flair and name recognition - arguably a ruinous combination for an official - and seemed to fit into Scott's wireframe for success: bigger is better. Maybe that's where he went wrong.

With Dibler, we have a guy who's supported officiating for a long time. He worked the court for 20 years (including 11 NCAAs, three Final Fours, and the other tournament) and has been the MWC officiating coordinator for the past 14 years. Google his name and you find a mere 64,800 results and no controversy. Conversely, Mark Cuban wouldn't hire Ed Rush to run a DQ.

In the release, Scott throws around words like "elite," "best," "rigorous," and "greatest." We expect to hear these words with regards to any announcements from a conference commissioner.

In this case, let those ring true. And then may we never hear of it again.

Pac-12 Pre-Season Positional Rankings: Receivers

2013-06-11T14:00:02Z

1. Marqise Lee Jr. USC

Lee had probably the best season a Pac-12 receiver has ever had as just a sophomore, but the big question now will be if he can maintain that level without an All-American level number two receiver like Robert Woods across from him and Matt Barkley throwing him the ball.

2. Brandin Cooks Jr. Oregon State

Cooks was mainly known as the Beavers' other talented receiver after Markus Wheaton, but he is now on his own and should see his role and attention from defenses increase. Cooks quietly had more than 1,100 yards receiving last year and is the clear cut number two guy in the conference right now and might be the receiver in the Pac-12 with the most pure speed.

3. Kasen Williams Jr. Washington

Williams is the best big receiver in the conference and the guy you most want when it comes to jump balls. Williams had nearly 900 yards and six touchdowns in 2012, but could produce a lot more if the Huskies can find another receiver to divert some defensive attention away from him and if Keith Price can shore up his accuracy and patience in the pocket.

4. Josh Huff Sr. Oregon

Huff might be the best receiver in the conference after Lee when healthy, but the problem is that he has been banged up a lot recently. Huff has size, speed and hands and even though he had less than 500 yards receiving in 2012, he did it in limited action, found the end zone seven times and was a playmaker in some of Oregon's biggest games.

5. Shaquelle Evans Sr. UCLA

Evans is the Bruins‘ only real dangerous option at receiver and he has good size and hands and can come down with deep balls that Brett Hundley likes to throw. Evans had more than 800 yards receiving in 2012, but isn't the most explosive guy as he only had three touchdowns.

6. Nelson Agholar So. USC

I would say that Agholar is the breakout guy of the group and could be one of the biggest breakout players in the entire conference next season. He is a big athlete who has serious All-American potential and showed it in brief flashes last season, but now will have the full-time opportunity to be Lee's sidekick with Woods gone and he will likely make the most of it.

7. Paul Richardson Jr. Colorado

Richardson has battled injuries the past two seasons and missed all of 2012, but he is expected to be healthy in 2013 and is one of the best receivers in the conference when he is. Richardson starred in Colorado's spring game and is a big target that can make huge catches downfield if he is available.

8. Dominique Williams So. Washington State

The Cougars have a deep arsenal of solid young receivers and Williams is the best of the bunch. He had more than 500 yards receiving in 2012 and was their most reliable target in their upset of Washington in the Apple Cup. He should only continue to grow as the Cougars progress in Mike Leach's offense.

9. Chris Harper So. Cal

Many thought Bryce Treggs was going to be the Bears' best freshman receiver last year, but the lesser-hyped Harper came in and looked more like the star in the making. Harper had more than 500 yards receiving and a couple touchdowns along with one rushing in 2012.

10. Gabe Marks So. Washington State

Another one of Washington State's talented young receivers, Marks is smooth athlete with soft hands and endless potential. Marks is also a reliable target that makes a ton of catches as he finished 2012 with 49 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns.

11. Nelson Spruce So. Colorado

Spruce was Colorado's best receiving option last season as a freshman and tried to fill the void left by Richardson's absence as best as he could. Spruce is tall and athletic and could have an even bigger impact in 2013 if he has a healthy Richardson lining up across from him.

12. Kevin Ozier Sr. Arizona State

Ozier is the Sun Devils‘ only real option returning at receiver in 2013 so he will be leaned on heavily to up his production. He is a big play style receiver and it is evident in his 2012 as he had more 300 yards on just 21 catches and turned five of them into touchdowns.

Others considered

Brett Bartalone So. Washington State

Tyler McCulloch Jr. Colorado

Dres Anderson Jr. Utah

David Richards So. Arizona

Isiah Myers So. Washington State

Pac-12 Football Recruiting: The Top 10 Recruits From Arizona During the Internet Recruiting Age

2013-06-10T14:00:06Z

The next installment of our look at the top recruits to ever come out of the various states of the Pac-12 region during the Internet age heads onto Arizona.

Everson Griffen DE Class of 2007 - Avondale-Aqua Fria Union - USC

Griffen was arguably the top defensive lineman of his class and was one of the most impressive athletes to ever come out of Arizona as he 4.4 forty at 265. He could have gone anywhere in the country and Florida, Michigan and Oregon fought hard, but he headed to USC which was cleaning up in recruiting at the time. Griffen had a good, but not great career at USC and ended up being a fourth-round pick by the Vikings.

Zach Miller TE Class of 2004 - Phoenix-Desert Vista -Arizona State

Miller was as good of a tight end prospect that has ever come from out West as he was one of the top recruits in the nation at any position due to how polished, big and athletic he was. Miller took a look at a number of national schools, but ended up staying home in the end and heading to Arizona State to join his brother. Miller lived up to expectations as a Sun Devil and only played three seasons before heading to the NFL where he was drafted in the second round and has gone on to have a solid career.

Brett Hundley QB Class of 2011 - Chandler - UCLA

The ultra-athletic Hundley seemed to have it all coming out of high school and was one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2011 and one of the best to ever come out of Arizona. Hundley was fought hard for by UCLA and Washington and ended up heading to UCLA where he a huge breakout season as just a redshirt freshman last season.

Kristofer O'Dowd C Class of 2007 - Tucson-Salpointe Catholic - USC

The top center in the Class of 2007, O'Dowd was incredibly quick and athletic for how big he was and drew attention to Tucson from all over the country. O'Dowd could have went just about anywhere in the country and like most elite prospects on the West Coast at the time, he signed with USC. O'Dowd battled injuries throughout his career but was one of the best linemen in the conference towards the end of his career and has played in the NFL since graduating.

Devon Kennard DE Class of 2009 - Phoenix-Desert Vista - USC

Similar to Griffen, Kennard was a big pass-rusher that was one of the best defensive linemen in his class. Kennard was recruited by a number of national programs, but ended up staying on the West Coast and signing with USC. Kennard has battled injuries during his career at USC, but will be a senior in 2013 with a chance to make a big impact.

Christian Westerman G Class of 2011 - Chandler-Hamilton - Auburn

Likely the top guard in the class of 2011, Westerman was skilled and polished and one of the top players out West at any position. Westerman had an interesting recruiting which saw him initially commit to Texas very early before decommitting and ultimately signing with Auburn. Westerman played a bit as a redshirt freshman last season, but announced after the season that he will be transferring to Arizona State.

Corey Adams DT Class of 2009 - Scottsdale-Saguaro - Arizona State

Adams was a physical freak that looked like the kind of guy who could end up being a top pick in the NFL Draft coming out of high school. Adams considered powerhouse schools like USC, Ohio State and Nebraska but ended up staying home and signing with Arizona State. Unfortunately Adams battled injuries all throughout his career and eventually had to retire from football as a senior.

Priest Willis CB Class of 2013 - Tempe-Marcus De Niza - UCLA

Willis is a very interesting athlete that at 6'2, could play either cornerback or safety and was one of the most recruited defensive backs in the country of the Class of 2013. Willis played his recruitment pretty close to the vest and was rumored to be locked into a number of schools before he committed to UCLA.

Ekom Udofia DT Class of 2005 - Scottsdale-Chaparral - Stanford

Udofia was a dream athlete at defensive tackle that ran a sub 5.0 forty at 320 pounds and was coveted by just about every big time school in the country. Udofia considered powerhouses like Miami, Oklahoma and USC before choosing Stanford. Udofia played quite a bit throughout his career at Stanford, but never quite fulfilled his unlimited potential and has played a bit in the NFL and CFL since.

Davonte' Neal CB Class of 2012 - Scottsdale-Chaparral - Notre Dame

Neal was a small athlete that was as explosive as anyone in the Class of 2012 and could have played a number of skill positions coming out of high school. Neal had a very drawn out recruitment that eventually saw him sign with Notre Dame. However, Neal left Notre Dame almost as soon as he showed up and recently transferred to Arizona.

Others considered

Cyrus Hobbi (G Class of 2011 - Scottsdale-Saguaro - USC), Andrus Peat (T Class of 2012 - Tempe-Corona Del Sol - Stanford), Craig Roh (DE Class of 2009 - Scottsdale-Chaparral - Michigan), Nick Rowland (G Class of 2010 - Peoria-Centennial - Oregon), Jermaine Williams (DE Class of 2006 - Phoenix-Maryvale - Arizona State)